Lead in deciduous teeth in relation to environmental lead

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Abstract
The mean lead content of the dentine of deciduous teeth of 289 school children in Christchurch, N.Z., was found to be 5.7 μg g−1 The sample divides into 2 groups: children living in post‐1940 housing and non‐industrial areas (mean 4.8 μg g−1), and children in pre‐1940 housing and industrial areas (mean 6.7 μg g−1). The difference in the means relates to greater environmental lead in the latter area from paint and industry. High lead levels were found in 2% of the sample. Automotive lead contributes to elevated background levels in the teeth.